Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Burnaby Lake.
Dabbling ducks feed mainly at the surface rather than by diving. This group of ducks includes Mallard, Gadwall, Teals, Northern Shoveler, Wigeons, and Northern Pintail.
These are mostly gregarious ducks of freshwater or estuaries. These birds are strong fliers and northern species are highly migratory. Compared to other types of duck, their legs are placed more towards the centre of their bodies. They walk well on land, and some species feed on land.
They generally feed on the surface of the water or feed on very shallow bottoms. They are not equipped to dive down several feet like diving ducks. The dabbling ducks have smaller feet compared to the diving ducks because they do not need the extra propulsion to dive for their forage.
When spooked, dabbling ducks take flight by springing straight up from the water, but diving ducks need to gain momentum to take off and must run across the water a short distance to gain flight.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Burnaby Lake.
Dabbling ducks feed mainly at the surface rather than by diving. This group of ducks includes Mallard, Gadwall, Teals, Northern Shoveler, Wigeons, and Northern Pintail.
These are mostly gregarious ducks of freshwater or estuaries. These birds are strong fliers and northern species are highly migratory. Compared to other types of duck, their legs are placed more towards the centre of their bodies. They walk well on land, and some species feed on land.
They generally feed on the surface of the water or feed on very shallow bottoms. They are not equipped to dive down several feet like diving ducks. The dabbling ducks have smaller feet compared to the diving ducks because they do not need the extra propulsion to dive for their forage.
When spooked, dabbling ducks take flight by springing straight up from the water, but diving ducks need to gain momentum to take off and must run across the water a short distance to gain flight.